Tag Archives: inspiration

I have been invited to submit my work in a special exhibition called “Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion” from August 27 – October 4, 2013 at the Watergate Gallery. I started painting a veiled lady with a sorrowful face but wasn’t happy with it. I went on vacation and upon return, I scrapped it.

One day, I was looking at old photographs and saw one of my late mother’s on her 81st birthday. Something clicked. I decided to paint her, silver hair and all. The portrait is almost done. Although the exhibition theme inspired me to paint her, I decided to keep it and submit another piece for the exhibition. Back to work.

I recently attended an artist talk in a local gallery. Three artists spoke about their processes, inspiration, significance of their work, etc. It was quite interesting to hear what each had to say. I left asking myself what I would say if asked to give an art talk.

I have given brief speeches during a couple of solo exhibitions before. The direct questions from the audience helped me explain why I painted a certain piece or what stories lie behind some paintings. Most of the time, though, it is difficult to articulate why I painted this or that. Inspiration seldom visits and can be elusive. Committing something to canvas is hard work. For me, talking about it is even harder.